Alvernia College - Doctor of Philosophy

To develop at the doctoral level a cadre of talented leaders who aspire to or currently hold positions with leadership responsibilities in educational, community or corporate organizations.
To develop individuals who are capable of analyzing and evaluating various leadership theories and their relevance to existing and emerging research findings.
To make substantive contributions to the body of knowledge in executive educational, community and corporate leadership.
To advance the capabilities of individuals to critically analyze research findings and their implications for leaders within organizational contexts.
To develop professionals who are capable of visionary leadership in generating institutional and social policies that acknowledge and respond to the contributions of diversity.
To enhance the ability of individuals to critically examine ethical issues that impact leaders within an increasingly complex and pluralistic global environment.
To promote social justice and social responsibility as a leader by increasing understanding of policies, legal constraints, and socioeconomic conditions that contribute to social, economic and political inequities and impact on organizations.
To have students make scholarly contributions to their area of concentration through original research that focuses on either advanced qualitative or quantitative methods.

The three areas of concentration within the Ph.D. in Leadership are corporate leadership, community leadership and educational leadership.

Corporate Leadership will prepare professionals for leadership positions within various fields of business. Through coursework in advanced research and scholarship in corporate leadership, this program will enable executives to continue to develop their leadership talents, and research capabilities and understand their transformative role and responsibilities as servant leaders. Exploring global issues, opportunities and the challenges of leading a workforce with individuals from diverse backgrounds will contribute to their effectiveness and ability to be visionary agents of change.

Educational Leadership will prepare educators to meet the challenges of contemporary school leadership at all levels of administration including higher education. Through course work in advanced research and scholarship, this program will enable individuals to develop their leadership talents and research capabilities, as well as to understand their responsibilities as agents of change within an increasingly complex and demanding educational system that is expected to meet the needs of all children. Individuals will contribute to the knowledge base as leaders responsible for creating and improving learning communities in our global society.

Community Leadership will prepare professionals for leadership positions as agents of change in government and community organizations. Coursework will include advanced research and theories of leadership, critical analyses regarding the impact of social welfare policies and procedures, entrepreneurial strategies, research-based assessment of programs, and evidence-based management. This program will enable leaders in government and community organizations to act as agents of change and to contribute to a greater understanding regarding community leadership.